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Puerto Rico Should Be A State Essay

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Puerto Rico: To Be A State Or To Not Be A State, That Is The Question
Puerto Rico is one of many small islands found in the Caribbean. Numerous debates have been held on whether or not it should become the fifty-first state of the United States. There are some positive impacts correlated with this theory. However, becoming a state would make Puerto Rico lose some of its charm and culture, mess up the political structure already set up in the United States, and be unfair to all the Puerto Rican people that were horribly mistreated by the United States of America in the past. Puerto Ricans fought hard to earn the little bit of independence they have, and it would not be right to take that from them. People argue that Puerto Ricans will be better …show more content…

People hate their accents and the fact that they may not be one hundred percent efficient in the English language. Their appearance is hated because they don't fit the white beauty standard. Americans even hate their food, and the way it looks and smells. Discrimination will always be seen whether or not Puerto Rico chooses to become a state. Statehood is not the saving grace Puerto Ricans need.
The history of Puerto Rico is one that has been passed down from generation to generation. This island home and its residents are proud of who they are, and how far they have come. Puerto Rico is known for its abundant history and culture. It even used to be known as San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) before the Spaindards discovered the surplus of gold in the rivers. The island is also known for the phenomenal cultural food that it produces. Arroz con gandules, pasteles, pernil, sorullitos, pollo guisado, bacalao, and alcapurrias are just a few examples of the splendor of dishes prepared. Tourists are more commonly attracted to the beaches and tropical weather. However, tourists will have to deal with loud music …show more content…

Puerto Rico is the island home of millions of people. Becoming a state could make Puerto Ricans lose their identity, mess up the structure of the United States, and would be extremely unjust to the numerous Puerto Ricans that were mistreated by the United States. Puerto Ricans fought to be independent, and to keep their flag. They deserve to be free, and not under the control of the United States. Puerto Ricans will be discriminated against no matter their status, so it is in their best interest to keep their culture, identity, and pride.

Works Cited
Bazail-Eimil, Eric. "Puerto Rico Inches Toward Self Determination." Reason, vol. 54, no. 8, Jan. 2023, pp. 14+. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, Accessed 9 Jan. 2023.
Cochrane, Emily, and Patricia Mazzei. "House Passes Bill That Could Pave the Way for Puerto Rican Statehood." New York Times, 16 Dec. 2022, p. A15(L). Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, Accessed 9 Jan. 2023.
Hernandez, Jehivian. "Decolonization Through Democracy, Not Statehood, Is the Answer.." Orlando Sentinel (Online), 03/19 2021. ProQuest; SIRS Issues Researcher, Accessed 9 Jan. 2023
Regoli, Natalie. “18 Puerto Rico Statehood Pros and Cons.” ConnectUS, 16 Apr. 2019, Accessed 9 Jan. 2023
Slavin, Robert. "Statehood for Puerto Rico: If, When and What Impact?", vol. 122, no. 33851, 28 Jan. 2013, p.1., Accessed 9 Jan.

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